Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), the most common of the repetitive stress injuries (RSI), is caused by irritation of the median nerve which runs through the carpal tunnel at the wrist. This nerve provides feeling to the thumb, forefinger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger. The carpal tunnel is a tiny space between the wrist bone and the band of tissue which surrounds the wrist and supports the joint. When this surrounding tissue, called the traverse carpal ligament swells, it reduces the space in the carpal tunnel, putting pressure on the median nerve. The result is tingling, numbness, and often pain in the fingers to which the nerve runs. In severe cases, burning, cramping, and weakness occur in the hand, shooting pain radiates up the forearm, the ability to grip decreases and, left untreated, hand muscles will begin to atrophy (waste away).

Many...